Adjusting The Mic's Response Without EQ

Most microphones are not flat, and the mic's frequency response will change, depending on where the sound is coming from. Maximum highs will usually come from playing straight into the mic. This is very true for cardioids, and even for most omnis.

If it sounds like you have too much top end, don't reach for the board eq, just angle the mic slightly. A 15° or 30° angle can sometimes tame a peak nicely and it's more repeatable than board eq. Need more bass? Move in closer and take advantage of the mic's proximity effect. Too much bass? Try the bass roll-off switch.

Why not just use the board eq to correct it? Two reasons:

1. If it's a vocal track and you hafta change it later on (several days or weeks later), it's easier to match the previous sound if the board was set flat while recording.

2. Most board eqs are too broad to trim just the offensive tones and you wind up cutting stuff you may need later.

Get to know the characteristics of each mic in your locker. Sing or talk into the front of it, from an angle, from the side, even from behind. Listen to how the sound changes and file those mental notes somewhere near the front of your brain.

Hmmm, what could I use this sound for? Hmmm, singing across the mic got rid of a lot of shrillness. Maybe it would get rid of the shrill sound I'm getting when I try to mic those JBLs in my Twin Reverb? Hmmm, what if I put the mic parallel to the speaker grill, instead of aiming it into the speaker? Hmmm.